This post was a big hit with playground-weary punker parents earlier this year. Check back for an updated list of out of the (jack in the) box ideas for you and your li’l bears.

Got a kid? LA can still be your playground, and we’re not talkin’ about the park or those germy indoor jungle gyms. Whether you’re a music lover, an art tart or a scenester who simply likes to be out and about, there are options that don’t require a sitter or sitting out on grown-up fun. Read on for five of the coolest family-friendly happenings in town.

Lina Lecaro

FYF’s Children’s Ice Cream Party in Eagle Rock

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5. La Luz de Jesus Art Openings- Free booze, colorful art and a toy store in one? La Luz and Wacko’s monthly bashes are no-brainers when it comes to fete-ing with la familia. Of course, you should check ahead to make sure the art is appropriate for innocent eyes (if it isn’t, it’s usually above their heads, ie, the cartoony “Henry & Glenn Forever” show up now). 4633 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 666-7667.

Lina Lecaro

Family fiesta at Viva Cantina.

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4. The Messaround- LA Weekly contributor Jonny Whiteside just celebrated the one year anniversary of his monthly Sunday afternoon dance party at Viva Cantina in Burbank, a bash that always has a few 5-10 year-olds boogie-ing in front of the stage. This past Sunday offered a noisier line-up (LA Punk legends The Gears, garage grinders The Hangmen) so the young-uns were mostly teens slamming about in a makeshift pit. Moshing in a Mexican restaurant… with kids. Only in LA. 900 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank. (818) 845-2425.

Lina Lecaro

Gears’ classics like “Teenage Brain,” “Baby Runaround,” and “High-school Girls” appeal to a new generation at Messaround.